New Warrior Ministries!: For if our Lord be blasphemed because of us! Homily on St.Matthew by St. John Chrysostom

Homily XV

Mat. V. 1, 2

   12. Since then we know the gain that arises from this earnestness, and

   the danger of indolence (for if our Lord be blasphemed because of us,

   that were far worse than our perdition), let us "give none offense,

   neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the Church of God."

   [646] And while the life which we present before them is brighter than

   the sun, yet if any one will speak evil of us, let us not grieve at

   being defamed, but only if we be defamed with justice.

   For, on the one hand, if we live in wickedness, though there be none to

   speak ill of us, we shall be the most wretched of all men: on the other

   hand, if we apply ourselves to virtue, though the whole world speak

   evil of us, at that very time we shall be more enviable than any. And

   we shall draw on to follow us all who choose to be saved, for not the

   calumny of the wicked, but our good life, will draw their attention.

   For indeed no trumpet is so clear as the proof that is given by our

   actions: neither is the light itself so transparent as a pure life,

   though our calumniators be beyond number.

   I say, if all the above-mentioned qualities be ours; if we be meek and

   lowly and merciful; if we be pure, and peacemakers; if hearing

   reproach, we revile not again, but rather rejoice; then shall we

   attract all that observe us no less than the miracles do. And all will

   be kindly disposed towards us, though one be a wild beast, a demon, or

   what you will.

   Or if there should even be some who speak evil of you, be not you at

   all troubled thereat, nor because they revile you in public, regard

   it; but search into their conscience, and you shall see them

   applauding and admiring you, and numbering up ten thousand praises.

   See, for instance, how Nebuchadnezzar praises the children in the

   furnace; yet surely he was an adversary and an enemy. But upon seeing

   them stand nobly, he proclaims their triumph, and crowns them: and that

   for nothing else, but because they disobeyed him, and hearkened unto the

   law of God. For the devil, when he sees himself effecting nothing, from

   that time departs, fearing unless he should be the cause of our winning

   more crowns. And when he is gone, even one who is abominable and

   depraved will recognize virtue, that mist being withdrawn. Or if men

   still argue perversely, you shall have from God the greater praise and

   admiration.

   Grieve not now, I pray you, neither despond; since the very apostles

   were to some a "savor of death;" [647] to others, a "savor of life."

   And if there be nothing to lay hold of in yourself, you are rid of all

   their charges; or rather, you are become the more blessed. Shine out

   therefore in your life, and take no account of them who speak evil of

   you. For it cannot, it cannot be, that one careful of virtue, should

   not have many enemies. However, this is nothing to the virtuous man.

   For by such means his brightness will increase the more abundantly.

   Let us then, bearing these things in mind, look to one object only; how

   to order our own life with strictness. For thus we shall also guide to

   the life that is there, such as are now sitting in darkness. For such

   is the virtue of that light, as not only to shine here, but also to

   conduct its followers there. For when men see us despising all things

   present, and preparing ourselves for that which is to come, our actions

   will persuade them sooner than any discourse. For who is there so

   senseless, that at sight of one, who within a day or two was living in

   luxury and wealth, now stripping himself of all, and putting on wings,

   and arrayed to meet both hunger and poverty, and all hardship, and

   dangers, and blood, and slaughter, and everything that is counted

   dreadful; will not from this sight derive a clear demonstration of the

   things which are to come?

   But if we entangle ourselves in things present, and plunge ourselves in

   them more and more, how will it be possible for them to be persuaded

   that we are hastening to another sojourn? [648]

   And what excuse after this shall we have, if the fear of God avail not

   so much with us, as human glory availed with the Greek philosophers?

   For some of them did really both lay aside wealth, and despised death,

   that they might make a show before men; wherefore also their hopes

   became vain. What plea then shall deliver us, when with so great things

   set before us, and with so high a rule of self-denial laid open to us,

   we are not able even to do as they did, but ruin both ourselves and

   others besides? For neither is the harm so great when a heathen commits

   transgression, as when a Christian does the same. Of course not; for

   their character is already lost, but ours, by reason of the grace of

   God, is even among the ungodly venerable and glorious. Therefore when

   they would most revile us, and aggravate their evil speech, they add

   some such taunt as, "You Christian:" a taunt which they would not

   utter, did they not secretly entertain a great opinion of our doctrine.

   Have you not heard how many, and how great precepts Christ enjoined?

   Now when will you be able to fulfill one of those commandments, while

   you leave all, and go about gathering interest, tacking together

   usuries, setting on foot transactions of business, buying herds of

   slaves, procuring silver vessels, purchasing houses, fields, goods

   without end? And I would this were all. But when to these unseasonable

   pursuits, you add even injustice, removing landmarks, [649] taking

   away houses by violence, aggravating poverty, increasing hunger, when

   will you be able to set your foot on these thresholds?

 May you be greatly blessed,

+William

Monk Michael

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